Dennis F. Armbrust, 73, of Bismarck, formerly of Belfield, went home to Heaven free of pain on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

In accordance with Dennis's wishes, cremation has taken place. Family will greet guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E. Century Avenue, Bismarck. 

Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Dennis Frank Armbrust affectionately known to many as "Rocky" or "Rock," was born on September 13, 1952, to Frank and Shirley (Egly) Armbrust. He grew up on the family farm north of Belfield before the family later moved into town. He graduated from Belfield High School in 1970.

As a young man, Rocky proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in November 1972 and receiving an honorable discharge in November 1974. While stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, he formed lifelong friendships, especially with his dear friend Don. Their bond was so strong that Rocky asked Don to stand beside him in his wedding party, beginning a brotherhood that lasted a lifetime.

On November 30, 1979, Rocky married the love of his life, Peggy Herberholz. Together they made their home in Belfield before moving to Fort Rice, where they farmed and ranched alongside Rocky’s parents. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters: Nicole "Niki," Kristy "Kris," Leslie "Les," and Deana "Neene."

Having four daughters never slowed Rocky down. He raised them to work hard, ride horses, and tackle any challenge. As the girls often joked, they could do everything the boys could do—and then some. Their adventures occasionally resulted in trips to the emergency room, from encounters with garden tools to horse-related mishaps, undoubtedly causing their parents more than a few gray hairs and near heart attacks along the way.

Ranching was Rocky’s greatest passion. Raising Hereford cattle and horses brought him immense pride and satisfaction. During calving season, he could be found checking cows at all hours of the day and night atop his trusted horse, Pinto Jet, affectionately known as "PJ." Brandings and weaning days were among his favorite times of the year. The countless hours of hard work and dedication he invested in his livestock were rewarded when buyers at the sale barn complimented the quality of his calves. Those who knew Rocky knew he believed things should be done the right way, and if they weren't, you could often hear his voice carrying across the corrals. His daughters learned many lessons while working alongside him and were always grateful when someone else was on the receiving end of one of his famous scoldings. As they liked to say, every load of cattle headed to market meant a few less opportunities to be corrected while sorting.

Of all the roles Rocky held throughout his life, being Grandpa brought him some of his greatest joy. His grandchildren loved accompanying him to the stockyards, where workdays often included a stop at Hardee's before heading back out to wait for the next bull rack. They cherished riding horses with him and learning from the man they considered the best grandpa around. Whether sharing accomplishments, seeking advice, or simply talking about their day, Grandpa was always there to listen, encourage, and remind them to follow their dreams and never give up.

Family gatherings and holidays held a special place in Rocky 's heart. Many evenings were spent around the table playing pinochle, Hand and Foot, or canasta while Rocky enjoyed a glass of whiskey on the rocks and the company of those he loved. When he wasn't outside embracing the cowboy lifestyle, he could often be found tending his garden, canning vegetables, or cheering on his favorite teams—the Green Bay Packers, New York Knicks, and New York Yankees.

Retirement allowed Rocky to enjoy even more of life's simple pleasures. He spent time fishing, taking trips to Deadwood, woodworking, and participating in cornhole tournaments with his friends and his companion, Jeanie.

Rocky will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering dedication to family, love of ranching, quick wit, and the countless lessons he passed on to those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

To family and friends, Rocky was known for his unwavering strength, steadfast character, and dependable nature. Whether he was on horseback, working in the stockyards, gathered around a card table, or spending time with those he loved, Rocky's larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression on everyone, fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, the seeds of love, wisdom, and kindness he planted in the hearts of others will continue to flourish for generations to come.

Rocky will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his loving daughters: Nicole (Josh) Heidecker, Kristy (Corey) Tabert, Leslie (Devon) Urroz, and Deana Armbrust (fiancé Michael Criswell). His greatest joy in life was his family, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: McKayla (Raymond) Olheiser, Joey Breitzman, Aidian Breitzman (his beloved partner Kylee Blair), Jayse Heidecker, Trenten May, Jaxon Tabert, Maddison Paulson (her beloved partner, Landyn Brubaker), Lukas Paulson, and Kai Armbrust. Each held a special place in his heart, and he was immensely proud of the people they had become.

Rocky is also lovingly remembered by his sisters: Carol (Thomas) Alesi, Marlene (Steve) Tveito, Bonnie (Roger Meschke) Armbrust, Connie O'Brien, and Tammy (Gregory) Metz; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

Rocky was welcomed into eternal rest by those who preceded him in death: his parents; his sister, Darlene Armbrust; his brother, Ronald “Bucky” Armbrust; his niece, Dea O'Brien; his nephew, Jason Petraskiewchz; and his beloved grandson, Michael Urroz. While their loss was deeply felt, Dennis carried their memories with him always, and the love they shared remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Our Father Kept a Garden

Our father kept a garden, 

A garden of the heart. 

He planted all the good things 

That gave our lives their start.

He turned us to the sunshine 

And encouraged us to dream, 

Fostering and nurturing 

The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came, 

He sheltered us enough, 

But not too much, because he knew 

We would grow strong and tough.

His constant good example 

Always taught us right from wrong, 

Guiding us along life's pathways 

With lessons lasting lifelong.

We are our father's garden, 

We are his legacy. 

Thank you, Dad. We love you.